Maha Kumbh 2025: Traffic Jams Paralyze Prayagraj

Prayagraj, February 10, 2025 – The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, is currently facing a massive challenge as an unprecedented influx of pilgrims has resulted in traffic jams stretching up to 300 kilometers. Lakhs of devotees en route to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, are stranded, with some reporting being stuck for as long as 48 hours.

The extreme congestion, which social media users are calling the "world's biggest traffic jam," has brought vehicular movement to a standstill in several districts of Madhya Pradesh. Highways have transformed into endless parking lots, leaving pilgrims stranded hundreds of kilometers away from their destination.

Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have been forced to halt traffic in several districts to manage the overwhelming rush of devotees. Police in Katni district announced that traffic would remain halted until Monday, while Maihar authorities directed vehicles to turn back towards Katni and Jabalpur.

Videos circulating on social media depict lengthy lines of cars and trucks stranded on roads in Katni, Jabalpur, Maihar, and Rewa. Eyewitnesses reported a severe traffic jam stretching approximately 250 kilometers from Katni to Chakghat, near the border between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Many travelers have turned to social media to share their experiences and alert others to the traffic situation.

One user wrote, "There is a 15-km traffic delay before Jabalpur. Prayagraj is still 400 miles away. Before you travel to Maha Kumbh, check the traffic updates!".
Another user lamented, "Caught in probably the biggest traffic jam (15-20km) in the world at Kumbh…Prayagraj is completely gridlocked".

Inspector General of Police (Rewa Zone), Saket Prakash Pandey, acknowledged the heavy traffic and attributed it to the massive influx of worshippers. He assured that Madhya Pradesh police are working with Prayagraj officials to improve the situation in the coming days.

Rewa district officials reported that the number of pilgrims heading to Prayagraj remains high, continuing to put immense pressure on the highway. Local administration, in coordination with Prayagraj authorities, has arranged for food, water, and shelter for stranded travelers.

In Uttar Pradesh, traffic jams have been reported not only on highways but also within Prayagraj city. A 25-km jam was reported on roads from Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur, while a seven-km-long jam was seen inside the city. Due to the overcrowding, Prayagraj Sangam railway station was temporarily closed.

The massive influx of devotees, with over 40 crore visitors expected for the Maha Kumbh Mela, has created significant logistical challenges. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for alleged mismanagement, while MP BJP President VD Sharma has urged party workers to assist stranded pilgrims.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is scheduled to continue until February 26. Authorities are working to manage the traffic situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

How are authorities planning to manage traffic for future Maha Kumbh events?

Authorities are implementing various measures to manage traffic for future Maha Kumbh events, focusing on streamlined traffic plans, increased parking areas, and advanced technology.

Traffic Management Strategies:

Streamlined Traffic Plan: Mela police have developed a detailed traffic management blueprint to regulate vehicle movement on normal and 'snan' days, including separate entry and exit routes for different types of vehicles.
No Vehicle Zone: A 'No Vehicle Zone' will be implemented for 3-4 days around the main bathing days to reduce congestion.
One-Way Routes: One-way routes will be in place in the fair area, with real-time diversions implemented if there are excessive crowds.
Traffic Advisory Committee: A traffic advisory committee is drafting traffic control plans, focusing on ensuring devotees don't have to walk too far to reach the ghats.

Parking and Transportation:

Increased Parking Areas: Parking areas are being increased from 1,200 hectares to 1,800 hectares. 102 parking lots, including 20 satellite parking lots, will cover around 1,900 hectares and accommodate over 5 lakh vehicles.
Shuttle Services: Temporary parking lots and shuttle services will be established to ease vehicular traffic.
Color-Coded Buses: The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) plans to have at least 7,000 buses ready for Kumbh Mela, with buses operating for Maha Kumbh being color-coded in saffron for clarity.
Electric Buses: UPSRTC will operate at least 100 electric buses in the mela area.

Technology and Surveillance:

CCTV Cameras: Additional CCTV cameras will be installed at bus stands and railway stations. Around 720 CCTV cameras and AI will be utilized for better traffic management.
AI-Powered Crowd Management: Artificial intelligence-based crowd management systems will be utilized. Over 2,500 AI-powered cameras will monitor the event to manage crowds, prevent mishaps, and ensure safety.
VMD Screens: There are also plans to install as many as 40 VMD screens at static points on the mela campus.
e-Passes: Six colored e-passes are being introduced to regulate vehicle movement.

Coordination and Restrictions:

Interstate/Inter-District Coordination: Mela police authorities are focusing on interstate/inter-district coordination for vehicular movement along with GRP, railways, roadways and district police to regulate the flow of devotees.
Traffic Restrictions: Vehicles will be restricted from entering the Maha Kumbh area to prevent congestion and ensure safety.
No-VIP Zone: The Maha Kumbh area has been designated as a 'no-VIP zone' to streamline movement and avoid security concerns.
Prohibitory Orders: Prohibitory orders restricting public gatherings, banning drones, and regulating traffic are being implemented.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies